Re: >> Meara, Tajima, Atago <<

Heres some excerpts from my notes on various Jnats. Based on conversations with Ken and my own experience

Tajima – 2k-3.5k , Soft stone

Igarashi – 2k-3k Hard Stone

Binsui – Harder Than Igarashi , 2k -3k

Kohzuke – Medium Hard , 2k-4k

Meara – Hard , 6k – 7k

The grit ratings are very rough , But it gives you an idea. Right now my running favorites in the group are the Igarashi and the Khozuke , both play well with both stainless and carbon steels , I would probably give the nod to the Khozuke for speed , although I suspect it might also be slightly coarser than the Igarashi. Havent done side by side comparisons to say for sure.

The Meara is a stone that should be in everyones collection , it plays well with everything and does a good job of bridging the gap between a nakado or aoto type stone , to a finishing stone , such as an Yaginoshima Asagi. Other stones worth mentioning would be the Tsushima , Monzen Aoto and Aono Aoto. My least favorite nakado right now is the Binsui , it the slowest by far , very little mud generation even with a Tomo. Ive used the Tajima the least so I cant comment to much on it.

Re: >> Meara, Tajima, Atago <<

Sat Apr 05, 2014 4:41 pm

Sadden wrote:The Meara is a stone that should be in everyones collection , it plays well with everything and does a good job of bridging the gap between a nakado or aoto type stone , to a finishing stone, such as an Yaginoshima Asagi. Other stones worth mentioning would be the Tsushima , Monzen Aoto and Aono Aoto

I just ordered the Meara and Aono from Ken Friday... you guys are bad influences

Re: >> Meara, Tajima, Atago <<

Sat Apr 05, 2014 8:34 pm

I'm 99% on the Meara, but the Atago @CKTG is my monkey wrench. I have received conflicting information thus far about it... hence, this post. The Monzen Aoto was my original consideration, but it's a bit too similar to my Nubatama Bamboo 1200. I'm looking for something harder & finer... thus my interest in the Meara, but the Atago, from the CKTG description, looks perfect. I'm looking for more independent opinions so I can purchase appropriately.